Living With the Bush

 to: Shire of Yarra Ranges 

attention: Mr Brett Ellis, Executive Officer for Emergency and Safety Planning

Dear Mr Ellis

Council Tree Felling Regulations

As you will be no doubt aware, the state government has legislated to permit residents to remove trees and vegetation within 10 and 30 metres from their homes.

Personally, I consider this legislation to be potentially environmentally destructive and does not provide for better fire safety due to the protection that trees provide from winds and ember attack and that this activity itself will create safety and fire hazards. However, it is likely that some residents will take up Premier Brumby's offer and remove trees and vegetation.

As Executive Officer for Emergency and Safety Planning, please advise the Shire's regulations with regard to the potentially very dangerous activity of tree removal and branch lopping, as follows:

  a.. who is permitted to remove trees (what experience is required, training, safety equipment)?

  b.. what safety measures are required to avoid accidents, personal injury, the public, neighbouring properties, roadways etc?

  c.. what insurance cover is required

  d.. considering tree removal (chainsawing, mulching) activity times, noise levels and limits to access, what are your requirements?

  e.. where can tree/vegetation debris be stored and what fire prevention measures are required for this created fire hazard?

  f.. how long can the debris remain on site (considering that this debris is a much greater fire hazard than prior to removal)?

  g.. is it OK for such large volumes of freshly cut debris to be burned in compliance with the Shire's open air burning laws?

  h.. who will be responsible for any injuries, fatalities and property damage caused by such tree removal (the Shire, the State Government, the tree removalist)?

We have 25 metre gum trees on neighbouring properties and many of them would qualify for removal under the new legislation. It is frightening to think that my inexperienced and unskilled neighbour can, armed with a chainsaw, cut down these trees. It's bad enough that you permit unskilled 'users of fire' to burn their property wastes that create so much smoke pollution, health and safety hazards.

Fortunately, my immediate neighbours are part of the majority who care about the environment and the health and safety of others. They are not likely to take up the Premier Brumby's offer to destroy our trees and vegetation.  

Hopefully, the Government will soon realise that this tree clearing legislation is very bad and they will have it withdrawn.

I look forward to receiving your detailed response.